Brazilian Teen Tragically Dies After Injecting Himself With Substance Made Of Butterfly Carcass
Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in February 2025.
A 14-year-old boy from Brazil tragically lost his life after reportedly injecting himself with a homemade mixture made from the remains of a wild insect, sparking concern among health experts and authorities.
Davi Nunes Moreira, a teenager from the town of Planalto in the state of Bahia, died on February 13 following a week-long battle for his life in a local hospital. Reports from Brazilian media and CNN Brasil indicate that Moreira had been “suffering in agony” before ultimately succumbing to what doctors believe may have been a severe toxic reaction or embolism.
According to investigators and family accounts, Moreira began showing troubling symptoms—vomiting, weakness, and difficulty walking—which prompted his family to rush him to the emergency room. At first, the teen claimed he had sustained an injury while playing. But after doctors began their evaluation, he admitted that he had injected a liquid made by mixing water with the remains of a dead butterfly.
His father eventually discovered the syringe tucked under the teen’s pillow, confirming the disturbing truth of what had happened.
Once the medical team understood the true nature of the situation, Moreira was transferred to a more advanced medical facility in Vitória da Conquista, one of the largest cities in Bahia. Unfortunately, despite receiving intensive care, the teenager passed away within days of his transfer.
Experts in the medical field are still split on determining the precise cause of his death. Some suspect the boy suffered septic shock from bacterial contamination or toxins found in the butterfly’s remains. Others believe the injection may have introduced air into his bloodstream, resulting in a fatal embolism.
Dr. Luiz Fernando D. Relvas, a specialist at Hospital Santa Marcelina, commented on the tragic case, saying, “We don’t yet know how he created the mixture or the size of what he injected. It’s possible he left air inside the syringe, which can be deadly.”
Authorities are also exploring whether the teen may have been influenced by an online trend or social media challenge. Local law enforcement confirmed that a full investigation is underway, including an autopsy and analysis of digital activity.
“This investigation is ongoing to determine exactly what occurred,” a spokesperson for the Civil Police in Vitória da Conquista stated.
Experts say the case reveals a troubling lack of awareness regarding the biological risks of insect remains. Marcelo Duarte, director of the Zoology Museum at the University of São Paulo, explained, “Butterflies have complex bodies and their fluids haven’t been properly studied for potential harm to humans.”
As authorities continue to search for answers, the tragic death of Davi Moreira serves as a grim reminder of the dangers young people can face when engaging in experimental or online-driven behavior without understanding the consequences.
